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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
Muriel Rukeyser’s poem "After Their Quarrel" is a contemplative and serene exploration of conflict, resolution, and the natural world's capacity to restore balance and perspective. The poem employs a repetitive structure, which mirrors the cyclical nature of conflict and the process of finding peace. The poem begins with the aftermath of a domestic quarrel: "After the quarrel in the house I walked the grasses of the field." This opening line immediately situates the reader in a moment of personal discord, suggesting a need to escape the confines of the house and seek solace in nature. The repetition of this line emphasizes the importance of this retreat and the ritualistic aspect of seeking refuge in the natural world. The speaker's journey into the field is marked by a sensory experience: "Until the hissing of breakers and the hissing on the sand / Lowered, and I could see the seed heads and the sky." The use of the word "hissing" to describe both the sound of the breakers and the sand creates a parallel between the natural environment and the tension from the quarrel. This auditory imagery evokes a sense of agitation and restlessness, mirroring the emotional state after a confrontation. As the "hissing" sound lowers, the speaker's perception shifts, allowing them to see "the seed heads and the sky." This shift from aural to visual imagery signifies a transition from a state of turmoil to one of clarity and calm. The seed heads, symbolizing potential growth and renewal, and the expansive sky, representing freedom and vastness, suggest a reconnection with the larger, more enduring aspects of life. This reconnection offers a reprieve from the immediate conflict and provides a broader perspective. The repetition of the entire stanza reinforces the cyclical nature of conflict and resolution. It suggests that this process of moving from discord to tranquility is not a one-time event but a recurring pattern. The poem's structure, with its repeated lines, mirrors the repetitive and meditative process of walking and reflecting, emphasizing the importance of taking time to find peace after a quarrel. Rukeyser's use of natural imagery to convey emotional states is particularly effective. The transition from the enclosed, tense environment of the house to the open, calming expanse of the field illustrates the therapeutic power of nature. The detailed focus on sensory experiences, both auditory and visual, immerses the reader in the speaker's journey, making the shift from conflict to peace palpable. The simplicity of the language and the poem's brevity add to its contemplative quality. By focusing on a single, repeated image of walking in the field until the sounds of the breakers and sand lower, Rukeyser captures the essence of finding solace in nature. The poem's economy of words underscores the idea that peace and clarity can be found in simple, repetitive actions and natural surroundings. "After Their Quarrel" is a poignant reflection on the aftermath of conflict and the ways in which nature can provide solace and perspective. Through repetition and vivid sensory imagery, Muriel Rukeyser captures the cyclical process of moving from discord to tranquility, highlighting the enduring power of the natural world to restore balance and clarity. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of stepping outside of immediate conflicts to find peace and renewal in the larger, more enduring rhythms of life.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HOW WE DID IT by MURIEL RUKEYSER THE BOOK OF THE DEAD: ALLOY by MURIEL RUKEYSER THE PITY OF THE LEAVES by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON THE HOUSE OF LIFE: THE SONNET (INTRODUCTION) by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI TO THE ONE OF FICTIVE MUSIC by WALLACE STEVENS MEASUREMENTS by LOUISA SARAH BEVINGTON |
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